Chinese cinemas turn into fan zones: 4K screens and surround sound vs small home TVs — a new trend for watching the 2026 World Cup
In Beijing and Shanghai, giant 120‑fps screens; over 60 matches will be shown in cinemas. Live‑broadcast technology now covers more than 1,200 screens in 150 cities. Former China national team coach Zhu Guanghu: "At home the screen is small; here you can share the excitement with others."
As reported by CCTV+, going to cinemas to share the thrill with fellow fans and enjoy matches with cinematic sound and picture has become a new trend for watching the ongoing FIFA World Cup in China. The 2026 World Cup kicked off on Thursday at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium. This year, co‑hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada, a record 48 teams are competing in 104 matches.
In Shanghai, one cinema offers fans an immersive viewing experience with a giant screen, surround sound and spacious seats. Zhu Guanghu, former head coach of China's men's national team, said: "Today I watched a match in a cinema for the first time, and it's completely different from watching at home. At home the screen is small, and there's no one around to share the excitement with. I really like the big screen and the atmosphere of watching together." In Beijing, before the match, fans cheered for their favourite teams while looking at the rating board, while a huge 4K screen at 120 frames per second made them feel as if they were at the stadium.
A fan surnamed Zhao said: "Watching matches together offline on weekends is a special experience. When a goal is scored, everyone celebrates together. It's a great way to relieve stress." So far, China Film Group and Huaxia Film have provided live‑broadcast technology and operational support to more than 1,200 cinemas across the country, covering over 150 cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. More than 60 matches will be shown during the tournament (June 11 to July 19), allowing audiences nationwide to immerse themselves in the World Cup atmosphere.
Watching a football match in a cinema is not just about a big picture. It turns a private viewing into a collective ritual. When a goal is scored and 200 people in the hall throw their hands up at the same time, the wall between screen and spectator disappears. Chinese cinemas, struggling with declining attendance, have found an unexpected move: offer not just an image but an event. While some argue over whether the sofa or the stadium is better, thousands of fans have already chosen a third option: a cinema seat, where popcorn crunches in unison and offside can be seen in slow motion at 120 frames.
